Shingles

[ratspeaker]

Anyone got tips on coping with them?
I'm currently on antivirals, diclofenac and paracetamol. GP did offer co codamol but i react badly to that.
The nerve pain extends much futher than the rash

Can you take neurofen in between the paracetamol (Not sure if you can do this with diclofenec as well though)?

I got some slight relief with mine by holding a cold damp flannel over the affected areas. Try to keep cool generally.

How long have you had it? - that horrible pain when the nerves fire off will gradually decrease, and the anti virals should help a bit.

Sorry- not much help to offer, but I sympathise greatly, they are very painful, I hope yours go soon.

Rest as much as you can - my nerve pain was far worse when I got tired (which was easy to do, never been so exhausted!). You poor poor love, its the pits - hope you're better soon.

And if its unbearable, ask the GP for something as alternative to codamol/codydramol - because thats the only thing that helped mine, a little.

I only noticed the rash 2 days ago but had been feeling flu like for a few days.
I also thoght I'd been sleeping funny and had made my shoulder numb. If only it had stayed numb

Yes. I had what I thought was a virus (but not that one!), shooting pains behind my ear and eye, and thought I had a trapped nerve. I also had a mild fever for a couple of days.

Its really unpleasant - be nice to yourself, give in to being ill as much as you can, rest rest rest, and distract yourself with TV/films if you can. I was too tired to read for a while.

Seriously though, there are stronger painkillers available that don't have codeine in them - if its unbearable, call the doc. They know how bad shingles can feel.

I had it - very mildly - last year. I know there was some tea, maybe lemon balm, that helped. Also used it on my itchy bits. It seemed to calm the itching down a lot. Tasted horrible but if it's good for you... Certain foods are bad - I remember bad being coffee, red wine and chocolate and good involving sweet potatoes.

I googled (I know, and I did ignore the site that said it was God's punishment) foods to help shingles.

Hope you feel better soon.

Seems you can't take anything containing ibuprofen ie neurofen along side diclofenac ( Voltarol) think thats why she prescribed a big box of paracetamol

I've given up wine for February anyway but avoiding chocolate

I ate chocolate aplenty

I have read that Hypercal cream really helps with the severity and duration of nerve pain. It's a herbal cream of Hypericum (good for nerve pain) and Calendula (good for hraling). You can get it at pharmacies or health food stores. Might be worth a try?